BCIS 3347 introduces you to the essential concepts, technologies, and practices that make modern computer networks possible. Designed for BBA: MIS, BAAS: IT, and BS: CIS students, this course equips you with the technical foundations and problem-solving skills required to analyze, design, secure, and troubleshoot today’s data communication systems. You’ll learn not just the theory of networking, but also how to apply it in enterprise, cloud, and small-business environments.
Grounded in Quality Matters design, the course blends instructor videos, readings from CompTIA Network+ Guide to Networks, 10e, interactive labs, discussion boards, and hands-on assignments. Assessments include weekly quizzes, scenario-based labs, discussion posts, and a semester project that simulates designing, documenting, and securing a real-world network. A proctored final exam maps directly to course learning outcomes and CompTIA Network+ objectives.
What you’ll learn to do
- Understand networking fundamentals: Compare peer-to-peer vs. client-server models, OSI/TCP-IP layers, and core protocols.
- Design physical and logical infrastructure: Work with structured cabling, wireless networks, switches, routers, and WAN technologies.
- Address and configure networks: Apply IP addressing, subnetting, VLANs, and DHCP/DNS configurations.
- Secure network environments: Implement encryption, access control, device hardening, and risk management strategies.
- Troubleshoot effectively: Use command-line tools, monitoring software, and structured troubleshooting models.
- Evaluate performance and resilience: Apply best practices for optimization, fault tolerance, disaster recovery, and incident response.
- Analyze emerging trends: Explore virtualization, cloud networking, SDN, IoT, and evolving security challenges.
How you’ll learn (and be assessed)
- Weekly quizzes & labs (auto-graded & hands-on exercises).
- Discussion boards with scenario-based prompts and peer responses.
- Semester project: a multi-part design and troubleshooting project (requirements → topology design → addressing & security → documentation).
- Ethics in IT assessment at the program level.
- Proctored final exam, aligned to Network+ objectives.
- Extra credit options include Packet Tracer simulations, LinkedIn Skills Badge, and feedback reflections.
Key Topics Include
- Networking models, devices, and topologies
- Infrastructure & structured cabling systems
- IP addressing, subnetting, DNS, and ports
- Core protocols, encryption, and remote access
- Wireless networking and WLAN security
- Switches, routers, VLANs, and segmentation
- WAN technologies and cloud connectivity
- Risk management, access control, and security
- Performance optimization & disaster recovery
- Virtualization, SDN, and automation in network design
By semester’s end, you’ll have:
- A working knowledge of network design and troubleshooting aligned with industry standards.
- Hands-on experience in configuring and securing networks.
- Documentation artifacts (topologies, addressing plans, risk analysis) that demonstrate applied knowledge.
- Preparation for the CompTIA Network+ certification—a valuable credential for IT and MIS careers.
Textbook: West, J. (2025). CompTIA Network+ Guide to Networks, 10e. Cengage Learning.